Rodents threaten centuries-old trees in Company Bagh
The historic Company Bagh, a beloved green oasis in the heart of Amritsar, is facing a severe crisis. Rodents have dug burrows under centuries-old trees, posing a significant threat to their survival. The bagh has already lost several trees to termite infestations, rodents and high-velocity winds. The situation has been exacerbated due to lack of effective pest management measures.
The rare trees, which normally thrive in the Himalayas and Nilgiri Hills, are struggling to survive due to human actions and the Amritsar Municipal Corporation’s apathy. To make the matters worse, several individuals can be seen feeding rodents by dropping food into burrows. This practice has not only led to the growth of the rodent population, but also hindered efforts to control their infestation.
The proliferation of rats in the park is also attributed to the practice of feeding grains and pulses to birds and insects near trees. Due to this, rats are making holes near trees and damaging their roots in the process.
“Feeding rodents is a misguided act of kindness. It disrupts the ecosystem and creates an environment conducive to pest infestation,” said Joginder Singh, a local farmer. He said the authorities concerned must take immediate action to protect historic trees in the bagh.
Environmentalists say rodents weaken the underground support of trees which could more likely get uprooted in high velocity winds. A visit to the bagh revealed that numerous burrows have been dug up under each big tree.
Residents demanded that the local authorities concerned must warn people against dropping food into burrows and start a pest management exercise to save historic and rare trees in the bagh. During rain, water enters burrows. Trees tilt even in when light wind blows. Over 500 trees have already fallen due to negligence of the civic body.
Sandeep Singh, Superintending Engineer, Municipal Corporation, said, “Efforts are being made to get rid of rats in the bagh. Pest management drives have been conducted at the bagh in the past too.”
